As featured in the Ilford Recorder
A teacher has vowed to continue morning affirmation sessions that he is hosting to boost pupils’ self-esteem.
Launched in February, Naz Akhtar hosts AM Hustle, a 30-minute booster every weekday morning, which aims to maximise the day ahead at Ilford County High School.
Mr Akhtar invited the Recorder down to an in-person session to show how much AM Hustle is impacting pupils.
As many as 100 have turned up for some sessions since they began on February 9.
The sessions aim to build resilience and boost self-esteem through a routine of breathing exercises and meditation, combined with recording gratitude and affirmations.
Two groups of pupils – one year seven, the other year eight – took part.
Art teacher Mr Akhtar was unable to mix year group bubbles due to Covid restrictions, meaning the session had to be kept smaller than normal.
The boys were first asked to draw what a growth and fixed mindset means to them.
Developing a growth mindset – one which embraces challenge – is at the heart of the morning sessions, with Mr Akhtar keen to see what the boys have learned.
Two groups of pupils – one year seven, the other year eight – took part.
Art teacher Mr Akhtar was unable to mix year group bubbles due to Covid restrictions, meaning the session had to be kept smaller than normal.
The boys were first asked to draw what a growth and fixed mindset means to them.
Developing a growth mindset – one which embraces challenge – is at the heart of the morning sessions, with Mr Akhtar keen to see what the boys have learned.
“This is a person running, which shows that I want to be fit and healthy when I grow up. This shows a lot of books; I want to read a lot when I get older, and not lose my love of reading.
“This shows Cambridge University, and it’s one of the universities I hope to go to. This represents my religion, and it shows I never want to lose sight of my religious vows, and always stay strong in them.
“This is a person running, which shows that I want to be fit and healthy when I grow up. This shows a lot of books; I want to read a lot when I get older, and not lose my love of reading.
“This shows Cambridge University, and it’s one of the universities I hope to go to. This represents my religion, and it shows I never want to lose sight of my religious vows, and always stay strong in them.
“This is for my friends. It shows that I want to have some good friends who can give me a positive mindset and positive thoughts.”
The 13-year-old has been an ever-present at the sessions and said he has found the meditation exercises especially helpful.
“This is for my friends. It shows that I want to have some good friends who can give me a positive mindset and positive thoughts.”
The 13-year-old has been an ever-present at the sessions and said he has found the meditation exercises especially helpful.
With pupils finished for the day, Mr Akhtar had a chance to reflect: “All I want in future is to reach out to as much of our school community as possible as I know how much it’s helping the regulars that have attended 100+ sessions now.
“This is something I never had at school and I want these boys to know that they can put their ego and pride to one side.
“We all become vulnerable from time to time, and emotions are completely valid – it’s just part of life.
“Our attitude in how we deal with setback and failure is key to shaping futures.”
With pupils finished for the day, Mr Akhtar had a chance to reflect: “All I want in future is to reach out to as much of our school community as possible as I know how much it’s helping the regulars that have attended 100+ sessions now.
“This is something I never had at school and I want these boys to know that they can put their ego and pride to one side.
“We all become vulnerable from time to time, and emotions are completely valid – it’s just part of life.
“Our attitude in how we deal with setback and failure is key to shaping futures.”
